Izvorni znanstveni članak
Comparative Study on Selfperceived Health of Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Parents of Nondisabled Children in Croatia
Tomislav Benjak
; Croatian National Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
Gorka Vuletić Mavrinac
; Department of Psychology, University Josip Juraj Strossmayer in Osijek, Croatia
Ivana Pavić Šimetin
; Croatian National Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
Sažetak
Aim To assess self-perceived health of parents of children
with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in comparison with
those of parents of non-disabled children.
Methods A total of 350 parents participated in the study:
178 parents of children with ASD (71% response rate) and
172 parents of non-disabled children matched by age, education,
and place of living. Parents’ self-perceived health
was assessed using the Croatian version of the health status
questionnaire SF-36, while socio-demographic information,
chronic medical conditions, and needs were assessed
by a general questionnaire.
Results For all dimensions of health, except physical
health, parents of children with ASD had significantly
poorer self-perceived health and reported significantly
more deteriorated health in the last year than the control
group (P < 0.001). They also reported more psychological
disorders (11% vs 4.3%), which was the largest difference
in specified chronic medical conditions. Hundred twenty
six (71%) parents of children with ASD thought that enhancing
different policy measures (economic, social, educational)
could advance their and their children’s health
and well-being.
Conclusion Parents of children with ASD had poorer
health than the control group in all components, except
physical health. Because parents are the main providers of
support for children with ASD, preserving parents’ good
health and well-being is a precondition for an optimal care
for children. Therefore, current system for treating children
with ASD in Croatia should also include permanent improvement
of parents’ health and well-being.
Ključne riječi
family health; parents; family caregivers; chronic disease; autistic disorder; children
Hrčak ID:
47861
URI
Datum izdavanja:
15.8.2009.
Posjeta: 2.007 *